Banking Colorado River water; Arizona National Parks funding; Mesa Music Festival

On this episode of “Arizona Horizon,” Terry Goddard, President of the Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD) Board of Directors, discussed Arizona’s decision to draw water from underground Colorado River banks. Arizona has stored Colorado River water for over 40 years, and created the Arizona Water Banking Authority over 30 years ago to manage storage of Colorado River water.

We also heard from Matthew Nelson, Executive Director of the Arizona Trails Association, about the budget cuts facing Arizona National Parks. The U.S. Department of the Interior blocked over $20 million worth of previously approved congressional funding, which will affect Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Finally, Jenn Duff, Mesa City Councilmember for District 4, and musician Christopher Shayne, talked about the Mesa Music Festival. The festival takes place from October 15 to 17, 2026, and offers an opportunity to see rising artists. The festival also features educational and networking opportunities for aspiring musicians.